Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

Greetings,

To those who delivered at Stonybrook or maybe visited patients there and might know, how were they about providing formula for the baby? I have heard they don't like providing formula because they are very pro-breastfeeding. With my first child, my milk never came in and I was unable to breastfeed at all.

Im worried I may have the same problem this time around. And if they do provide formula, what kind? I would like to have the same brand on hand when returning home.

Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

Congrats!

I don't know how much they "like" formula, but it doesn't matter what they like. If you request formula, they need to have it available for you. You are the child's mother, you call the shots.

My one piece of advice is to not be wishy washy about it. Even if you plan to try to bf, don't tell them that. They will push their bf agenda and you'll never get any formula. Just say you're formula feeding and that's that.

Re: Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

They are very pro breastfeeding.

I’m sure they’ll give you formula if you request.

I’d think you can also bring your own if you want a certain brand and don’t want to deal with asking for it.

Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

They will ask you if you plan to breastfeed and if you say no they will not pressure you. They will provide formula

Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

They absolutely provide formula. I had both my kids there and I did both formula and breastfeeding. They gave me boxes of it without me even asking. They give liquid Enfamil (the blue bottle)

Message edited 9/5/2018 9:57:52 AM.

Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

I had my DS there 2 years ago. They were totally fine with providing formula. They gave me more every time I asked. They have Enfamil Infant RTF. Or at least they did at that time. Nobody pushed BFing on me. I did try, but DS had a tongue tie and my milk wasn't coming in so I just stuck with the formula.

Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

Thanks so much everyone. This has alleviated my anxiety. I have picked up Enfamil RTF and feel so much better now : D

Re: Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

I wouldn’t recommend NOT to let them know u’d like to try bfeeding. There are lactation consultants in the hospital (some of them are even IBCLC which would be even better!) that can provide the right help for u especially at the very beginning when it’s very important, help u understating colostrum and understanding amounts needed for the baby, help with different bfeeding positions, correct any lip positioning when nursing, identify any lip/tongue tie, etc. I also wasn’t able to bfeed my first one, it was very frustrating, and I do believe not having the right help made things even worse. Surround urself with as much support as u can especially if u struggled with ur first baby. We don’t need pushy ppl or pressure from anyone for sure but we def need the right help to have a better shot at this because bfeeding doesn’t come easy to some of us, and asking for help from knowledgeable ppl, moms who have succeeded at bfeeding, etc. can make a tremendous difference. If u decide to not bfeed and give formula, they’ll def understand and provide u with it cause ultimately it’s the decision of the mom <3

Re: Stonybrook University Hospital Labor & Delivery

I delivered there and was so happy. They did provide formula, but I do remember getting more formula from my pediatrician. I also had twins